There is no record of how Purcell’s unprecedented youthful genius was received by his contemporaries at this time, though it seems logical that it must have caused considerable wonder in the musical world centered around Westminster. The reality of London musical life was in fact difficult, frenetic and grossly underfunded, and, along with the whole city, was thrown into confusion with the outbreak of the plague, the war with the Dutch and a catastrophic fire. In the midst of this chaos, a lifelong friendship developed with Blow, who relinquished his post as organist at Westminster Abbey to the twenty year-old Purcell in 1679. Was it an act of simple generosity alone — or was it also recognition of a bewildering superiority and the inevitable need to stand aside? The listener can decide with this selection of odes and songs by both composers. Countertenor soloists Carlos Mena and Damien Guillon are backed by the stylish and adept accompaniment of Philippe Pierlot and his Ricercar Consort. These two remarkable singers present a deeply emotional program to celebrate the 350th anniversary of Purcell’s birth.